By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The Ahn Ae-soon Dance Company is putting on three of its best works in a single performance called ``Root, Empty Space and One Second'' this month.
Being one of the leading modern dance troupes in the country, the company will stage ``Root'' (1983), ``Empty Space'' (1994) and ``One Second'' (2004) for those seeking to explore the world of choreographer Ahn and modern dance.
The performance is aimed at highlighting Ahn's interpretation of Korean modern dance: how it evolved, developed and how she brought her own insights to everyday movements.
``In this regard, this particular performance is a journey that studies the backbone and change of Korean modern dance, along with the history of Ahn and her company,'' the troupe said in a statement.
There have been four versions of ``Root'' since it debuted in 1983, and Ahn is creating the fifth ― ``Root V.'' Through dramatic movements, the work focuses on the environment's struggle to maintain itself in the busy and ignorant world.
``Empty Space,'' first staged 16 year ago, revolves around death, disappearance and loneliness. Death is confronted in Buddhist terms, and the theme naturally moves from death to reincarnation and nothingness. ``Empty Space'' won various awards after its premiere, including the Best Choreographer Award at the Les Recontres Choreographiques Internationales de Seine Saint-Denis in 1994.
Meanwhile, ``One Second'' is a collaboration with the Montreal Dance Company, exploring the world of memory. The work tackles sudden experiences that are forever embedded in your mind. The light and dreamy movements received critical acclaim from Canadian dance critics after the work's Canadian premiere in 2004.
``Empty Space'' and ``One Second'' have been upgraded to add more modernity. The performance will be a great chance to experience a moment from the troupe's 25-year history.
Ahn is renowned for harmonizing Korean movements and traditional beauty with modern dance. Ever since she started her company in 1985, Ahn has presented numerous works that represent the identity, history and culture of Korea. Her early works showed ``Korean-ness,'' but she then started to focus more on unrestricted movements and instinct. Now Ahn has started to shed light on societal problems, including cultural chaos and various conflicts.
Ahn and her company have been invited to numerous countries, including Germany, Singapore and Japan.
``Root, Empty Space and One Second'' will be held on Jan. 21 and 22 at Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.ahnaesoon.com or call (02) 522-5476.